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Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Sleepy Hollow certainly has its devoted followers. The show is pretty solid, despite being grounded in a somewhat ridiculous version of reality, but that's what makes it so enjoyable in the first place. BOOM! Studios wants to take readers into town for another ride in Sleepy Hollow #1. The issue is written by Marguerite Bennett, illustrated by Jorge Coelho, colored by Tamra Bonvillain and lettered by Jim Campbell. "Movie Night" is written and illustrated by Noelle Stevenson.
After dying on the battlefield during the Revolutionary War, Ichabod Crane awakes in present-day Sleepy Hollow, New York. His resurrection is tied to the reappearance of the Headless Horseman, one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Realizing it is his mission to help stop the end of the world, Ichabod teams with the SHPD’s Lt. Abbie Mills to meet each evil threat head-on. When minor miracles start to sweep the town, they’re glad something good seems to be happening for once. No decapitations, no headless horseman, no worries, right? But as one by one the miracles start to backfire, more and more violently, Abbie and Ichabod must find time between saving the world to save the citizens of Sleepy Hollow.

The show Sleepy Hollow does exceedingly well in the outlandishness department, as it realizes it's over the top and embraces it. That comes through very strongly in the banter between Ichabod and Abbie Mills, which Bennett taps into beautifully in the dialogue in Sleepy Hollow #1. Their repertoire is just as fast-witted and curious, which makes the book feel as if you're watching an episode of the series. That seamless transition carries over to the plot as well, with Bennett throwing the duo into the thick of things against a large group of witches. The concept of the issue is very plausible within the Sleepy Hollow universe as envisioned in the show and gives readers a lot of familiar aspects to grab hold of. The pacing of the issue maintains the briskness of the show as well, moving along quite effortlessly between action and investigation.

Sleepy Hollow has an established look that Coelho captures very well. Both Ichabod and Leftenant maintain their familiar appearance, with Coelho even managing to work their mannerisms into the book as well. Beyond the expected, Coelho's illustrations boast very sharp angles, with many characters exhibiting slightly elongated body types. This is definitely appropriate for the demonic visitors, but it looks a little strange at some points for other characters; it's not a distraction or anything, just noticeable. Bonvillain's colors are very vivid, effectively showcasing effects such as lightning, police lights and fire. All of the coloring breathes further life into Sleepy Hollow and makes it feel like a living, breathing entity (which it largely is to some extent).

Sleepy Hollow #1 is a great adaptation of the show that hits all the right notes. If you've never really checked out the show, it's a perfect primer of sorts, as it captures the tone and atmosphere very well. Bennett's script is very snappy and maintains that "how-is-this-happening-I-don't-care" aspect of the show. Coelho's art is equally as outlandish in some ways, offering almost a caricature look at Sleepy Hollow. Sleepy Hollow #1 is really a lot of fun and offers plenty of enjoyment if you go in knowing that you're not necessarily getting an accurate, historical representation of a folk legend. That's what makes it so good as a legend though, which translates into Sleepy Hollow #1. Plus, there's a pretty awesome short at the end by Stevenson that further captures the zaniness of the property.